More than Benefit the Planet

{{divider}}

Business as a Force for Good

{{divider}}

Jun 24

{{divider}}

At x+why we understand the impact of delivering on the triple bottom line: creating positive change for people, planet and profit in tandem. Each of our sites is designed with its own unique heritage and character in mind, as well as being technology, wellbeing, sustainability and mission-lead.

{{divider}}

Sustainability takes many forms - from the eco-friendly green materials that reduce, reuse and recycle waste, to the formatting of greater growth goals and ambitions that create a more circular, regenerative and resourceful environment. All of the x+why buildings are built with the spectrum of these definitions in mind.

{{divider}}

For example, for our latest opening we partnered with Useful Studio - a fellow B Corp committed to using business as a force for good in the world of architecture and design. With wellbeing, collaboration, and fun at the heart of this entrepreneurial hub, Foundry is more than just a place to put your laptop, it’s a destination for business and personal development.

{{divider}}

Creative Communities

{{divider}}

Although the majority of the workforce have been working from home over the last few months, the office isn’t dead - but it is getting better. A return to ‘the new normal’ means more flexibility, more adaptability, more choice and greater wellbeing for both companies and employees alike. Remote working is likely set to become a permanent way of life - but being confined to the house need not be.

{{divider}}

Working from home provides many societal benefits, including reduced pollution and emissions thanks to a reduction in the rush hour commute, improved future development of areas outside major cities as people retreat back to commuter belts, and a better work-life balance thanks to greater freedoms and autonomy.

{{divider}}

However on an individual level, there are also many benefits to be had from venturing out to a local workspace, including immersion into a passionate community culture, increased social support, better facilities and improved boundaries around work and home life. Popular with freelancers, start-ups and corporate companies alike, our co-working spaces have something to offer everyone.

{{divider}}

Learning how to effectively collaborate with other businesses is a skill that can be honed. Creating closer relationships by sharing value can help businesses become more resilient, especially during times of rapid development and uncertainty. At x+why we unite, inspire and amplify companies on a mission to impact the way the world works for good, creating an authentically collaborative environment of cohesion, creativity and change.

{{divider}}

This is what sets our flexible workspaces apart from the rest. Whereas many workspaces operate from an outdated, competitive, ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality, by drawing businesses together under a common theme and goal, we foster a collaborative ‘survival of the fairest approach’ - with many young start-ups harnessing the WhyB programming and going on to receive B Corporation certification as a result.

{{divider}}

The backbone of a strong community has always been: a shared purpose, rituals, story-telling, connectedness, trust, interaction, identity and shared experiences. We achieve this through 3 key Cornerstones: conversation, collaboration, and fun!

{{divider}}

At our spaces, you and your team are not just another cog in the wheel of an uninspired building, but a fundamental part of our greater brand mission. And you will find us wholly unashamed of our grand visions for actively implementing a new paradigm of responsible capitalism globally.

{{divider}}

Designed for Development

{{divider}}

We realise that personal development is a corner stone of better business - the better your people do, the better your business will do. Access to opportunity and up-skilling, increased mobility and greater personal wellbeing are all key ingredients in the recipe for success.

{{divider}}

All of our spaces are designed to support and inspire young, impact-lead companies on their journey towards more purposeful profit. With wellbeing, collaboration and fun at the heart of this entrepreneurial hub, it is more than just a place to put your laptop.

{{divider}}

We’ve curated a destination for business growth and personal development. Alongside a thriving community are amenities that the largest of corporates would envy – ranging from the latest tech-enabled events space, to a high spec gym. Find your next home amongst 20 communal meeting rooms and collaboration areas, your own bar space, wellness room and in-house Barista.

{{divider}}

x+why is one of only 2 B Corp certified flexible workspaces in the UK. The B Corp certification is the only qualification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. We’re proud to say that being a B Corp certified business is the gold standard when it comes to companies walking the walk and not just talking the talk. We support our community by fostering a likeminded ecosystem and help all of our members to further their application process through our WhyB programme.

{{divider}}

Engaging Events

{{divider}}

We always celebrate and share the stories and successes of our members. Through our events, Meet the Member series, Whys Words Podcast and social networks. In 2019-20 we hosted 50 events for members and the wider community, including an exclusive interview with Simon Sinek at our flagship People’s Mission Hall. As many now look forwards towards the new normal, we also ensure to run cleaner and greener events.

Events are more meaningful when they have a message that carries beyond the boardroom, and bringing people together to connect is a great way to infuse a movement with the energy required to do so. Running events that are current, impactful and which challenge the status quo is a great reason for cohesion.

For example x+why recently ran the COP26 event as the climate summit began. Leveraging the local community, our very own members were on the front line of presenting an interactive and impactful evening of debate, discussion, and objective-setting for instigating actionable change.

Wake Up Well

We know that when we feel better, we do better. With many of us spending most of our lives at work, all of our spaces have been deliberately designed to counteract the burnout epidemic, and transform it into the breakthrough epidemic.

{{divider}}

Furnished with wellbeing in mind, we house bike parks, standing desks, member-wellness events, and even natural light and bird song. We have more than one plant per person in the spaces, which creates a positive and peaceful atmosphere where you can relax and breathe.

{{divider}}

For days when it’s hard to get outside, we make sure there is always a little bit of nature within, for example Foundry’s impressive atrium features an urban jungle of plants surrounding our central tree of knowledge, and a giant scale mural by local Birmingham street artist Lucy M.

{{divider}}

All of our members also get free access to our partners at Betterspace – a science-based wellbeing platform which helps you to manage your mental and physical wellbeing at work. We also have facilities on hand to support new parents, with Mother & Baby quiet rooms for those who need a private space for nursing, or just meditation and prayer.

{{divider}}

At x+why, all of our spaces are designed and managed to be as sustainable and ‘green’ as possible – from the chair you sit on, to the living roofs, and energy efficient lighting. As a community we are proud to be working towards 13 of the 17 UN sustainability Development Goals.

{{divider}}

We’ve been working with partners Useful Studio to ensure that our fit-out and furnishings are as sustainable as they possibly can be, in order to achieve our exciting SKA Gold accreditation. We rescued all of our office chairs from a building in Manchester, which was left unoccupied by the previous tenant. Through our supply chain, we have these individually checked, refurbished, re-covered and re-warrantied ready for their next phase of life.

{{divider}}

From waste management, encouraging use of up-cycled materials and supply chain diligence, to ensuring fixtures and fittings meet the highest of environmental standards, the SKA is a great way of making sure that any fit out is performed as well as possible.

{{divider}}

Part of being a fully qualified B Corp business means creating products that prioritise the environment. For us, that means building and renovating flexible workspaces that help to protect the natural resources around us. For all the reasons above, this creates a true win: being a win-win situation for all partners involved.

{{divider}}

Book a Trial Day Here

{{divider}}

‍